I always say yes to Nancy Zieman because every time I do, I learn something. So when Nancy asked me to join the Quick Column Quilt blog tour, I jumped at the chance. But quilting, hmmm, I admit I paused for a second and then thought, oh what the heck, do it! Here are my top ten tips for getting the job done.

Select the quilt pattern. Thousands of quilt patterns exist so pare it down by going to a trusted source like anything designed by Nancy Zieman. Her Quick Column Quilts is a collection of very doable – and inspired – quilts. The Carefree Column Quilt jumped right at me and I’m glad it did – it was quick and easy.

Decide on fabrics. Use everything in your power to make the right fabric selection. Pay close attention to the quilt you’re duplicating making note of the light, medium and dark fabrics. Look at other quilts for pleasing combinations or go to your quilt shop and seek their advice. Audition as many fabrics as you want; photograph the combinations, edit your choices and finally select the winning combination. Once selected, stick with your fabric choices. Don’t sway off course; second guessing can be a huge time guzzler.

Get organized. Print or copy the instructions. As you complete each step, cross it off the how-to instructions. You’ll know right where to pick up after a break in sewing.

Label everything. Even if you think you know how all the pieces go together, label them anyway. Life gets in the way and distractions are inevitable.

Designate an area or box in your sewing room where you can store the materials for the duration of the quilt-making process.

Break apart the tasks into manageable time increments. Review the instructions and estimate how long each task will take: cutting, designing, piecing the columns, adding the sashing and so on. Make notations on the pattern to use as a guideline. These are just guestimates as problems do occur and tasks often take longer than we think they will – at least that’s my problem! But having an idea of the time involved will help you stay on the project because it’s easy to tackle simple steps once they are broken down.

Group similar tasks together. Cut all the fabrics in one session, piece as much as possible at one time and then move to the ironing board. I cut all the fabrics and stacked then according to size with a label on top of the stack.

Document the process. Once the fabrics were cut, I followed Nancy’s instructions for arranging the blocks on the design wall. I took several photos of the designing progress as I auditioned the fabric pieces. I reviewed the different versions on my computer and decided on my favorite. After rearranging the fabrics according to the photo, I labeled the top piece of each column. I used the photo as a reference guide when a block or two floated out of position.

Focus during piecing. To piece a column, I removed the pieces one at a time, starting at the bottom of the column and placing the next block on top of the stack. Once I moved to the machine, I methodically pieced that row, from the top down and then pressed the seams. Once the pieced column was returned to the design wall, I progressed to the second column.

Enjoy it! Racing through the quilt making process takes all the joy out of it. Savor the fabrics as you handle them, strive for perfect ¼” seams and concentrate on how you’ll use the quilt or who will receive it. Name your quilt – after all, it’s your baby now! My quilt goes by the name of Sun Kissed.

You’ll notice my quilt isn’t quilted just yet. Oh but it will be! I have the most ingenious plan and tool for quilting Sunkissed on my embroidery machine. You’ll learn more in a future post. And be sure to visit Nancy’s blog where she will be giving away 15 grand prizes!

Blog tour stops – check out all the stops on the Quick Quilts blog tour!

Here’s your assignment this week:
Visit any or all of the stops on the blog tour listed above. Comment below about your favorite quilt or technique you saw on the tour. One comment will be selected to receive a copy of Nancy’s book Quick Column Quilts – good luck!

The winner of last week assignment:After you’ve taken advantage of the great deal from EmbroideryArts.com leave a comment below about the three most used items in your sewing room. One blog reader will be selected to receive a $25 gift certificate for use on the DiME website. Thanks and good luck!And the winner is Pamela B. – “Sewing machine, serger, iron, and tool box (it is full of essentials)”

Judy Brekhus

September 10, 2014 at 9:55 am (5 years ago)

First time seeing a quilt like this. A great example of the new modern quilts. I really lovr the color combination, bright and cheerful. My mom just entered memory care and this just might be the perfect quilt for her.

Sue Duisenberg

craftygramma

September 10, 2014 at 10:53 am (5 years ago)

Wow. I LOVE your fabrics!Any chance you’ll tell me what line(s) they are? So, I am all caught up on this blog hop, and I love the Happy Go Lucky Chevrons pattern.I could really see it in these same fabrics if I could get (afford)them… we are an all girl household here (gramma, grandgirls – 2&5, dogs and cats) so pink and orange are so US! I even have pink and orange on my wishlist!!Thanks for this chance.
PS- we get up early every saturday to watch NZ… just sayin…

Kate Hefright

Julie in WA

September 10, 2014 at 11:59 am (5 years ago)

I have visited every stop on this tour, and my favorite tip is right here on your blog: #10!! Taking the time to enjoy the process of making a quilt harkens to the days when women hand-sewed their precious fabrics, thinking about the one-day wedding or the expected child…I like to match points, use accurate seam allowance, and pray for the quilt recipient. Nope, you won’t find me making a jelly roll race or quilt in a day!

Marie Peppler

beth daniels

September 10, 2014 at 12:57 pm (5 years ago)

I enjoyed the part about printing out the instructions. I can see the instructions a lot better that way. I also do my quilts in pieces, like cutting and sewing separately and then doing one column at a time.

Nancy

September 10, 2014 at 1:15 pm (5 years ago)

Your 10 steps program is great. I learned the hard way to use most of these steps but if I were a beginner I would print this off and keep it nearby. I like your quilt and can’t wait to see the quilting. Also like Emilie’s little quilt as it shows such promise.

Lisa Marie

September 10, 2014 at 1:36 pm (5 years ago)

I’ve been following the tour and have seen so many gorgeous quilts! Several bloggers have used the Windchimes pattern and had great results. Your quilt is a beauty! I really like the colors and fabrics you have used, and those tiny blocks extending into the borders are especially cute. A small change, but it really adds to the quilt!

Gill

jo williams

Lori Morton

September 10, 2014 at 8:55 pm (5 years ago)

LOVE the Happy Go Lucky Chevron quilt…definitely have this book on my Wish List already too!! & Your quilt is goin to b Beautiful!! Can’t wait to see all finished!! I Summery..but like the edge of Autumn! Gorgeous!

Nancy

Vicky Isliefson

September 10, 2014 at 10:33 pm (5 years ago)

I like the colors in your sun-kissed quilt, but I have to say my favourite on the blog tour so far is the “London Chimes” version of Windchimes by Woman a Day. I like the mostly cool palette and the British themed prints.

Carol K E

September 10, 2014 at 10:55 pm (5 years ago)

My daughter and I were privileged to hear and see Nancy demonstrate the creation of these quilts. I think my favorite is the Wind Chime quilt, but it was fascinating to see the live demonstration. Nancy was so gracious, and I was surprised at how excited my daughter was to have a photo taken with this lovely lady.

Mary S

Ilana

September 11, 2014 at 9:48 am (5 years ago)

I love your tips for staying organized during the quilt making process. Your quilt top looks great. I love the little extras in your border. I’ve really liked all of the quilts I’ve seen so far on the tour.

Donna Fecteau

September 11, 2014 at 11:06 am (5 years ago)

So far, I think I like yours the best. I love the pattern and the colors you chose. I think I would like to make this one and use up my scraps on the small sqaures and then tie them all together with the larger bands of color. I also like Nancy’s tumbler one and will probably try to make that one for my neice.

Rosemary Rivas

September 11, 2014 at 12:05 pm (5 years ago)

Love the idea of columns rather than rows. What a refreshing change/variation. Within the last year I made two T-shirt quilts and had to think both horizontally and vertically to get everything I want to fit in a eye-pleasing design, so this is not a new concept to me, but might be for others.

Karen Thurn

September 11, 2014 at 3:07 pm (5 years ago)

I just found this blog hop and went back to look at all the blogs. I just love A Woman A Day’s take on the Wind Chimes and her tutorial makes it look so easy. But I must say all the quilts have been beautiful. kthurn@bektel.com

Barbara Showell

Diana Knight

September 12, 2014 at 3:44 am (5 years ago)

Thanks for the great step by step advice, Eileen! I am preparing to teach some beginner quilters soon and really saw that your steps make it easier to manage and be successful AND fun! This Carefree Column quilt is perfect for them to work on!

Kathy Combs

September 12, 2014 at 8:16 am (5 years ago)

Love the step by step progress. Putting estimated time by each step will really help me!! My time is do limited for seeing these days. Keep up the great work ladies, I love looking at other’s work. One of the days, I may get time to see more. Until then I just look!

Sarah J.

September 12, 2014 at 10:45 am (5 years ago)

I loved the doll quilt– something I can see my own daughter doing! There are several projects in this book I’d love to put on my to-do list! And your post just convinced me I need a design wall for my sewing area- thanks!

Robin in Kansas

September 16, 2014 at 9:18 pm (5 years ago)

I really didn’t think I liked modern quilt designs until this blog tour. All these fun, colorful, punchy quilts have been a revelation! Your Sun Kissed makes me happy just looking at it. But the doll quilt Melissa Stramel at Lilac Lane made with her daughter Emilie has to be my absolute favorite because it made me realize how marvelous these simple but snappy designs would be as beginner lessons with my own grandkids.